We have just six games on tap for the NBA — and we won’t get to watch Detroit lose another one. Not all hope is lost, as plenty of good teams are in action, from the Philadelphia 76ers visiting the Orlando Magic to the New York Knicks visiting the Oklahoma City Thunder. Well even get the Cleveland Cavaliers visiting the Dallas Mavericks. We have plenty to choose from, be it the best side or total to play, and as always, we’ll get a little help from OddsShopper’s tools! Here are the best NBA side and total bets for Wednesday, Dec. 27.
Best NBA Bets Today: Today’s Top Side & Total Picks
Best NBA Side Bet: Knicks-Thunder ML
It should come as little surprise that the Knicks have a pulse and are putting together a quality season. They have two stars in Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, are well-coached and have some reliable depth. They’ve owned the glass more often than not, thanks mostly to Mitchell Robinson, who is done for the season with an ankle injury. That has severely impacted their advantage on the boards, which is something to carry over into tonight’s game in Oklahoma City.
The Thunder turn over their opponents at a much higher rate and are no longer at a massive disadvantage on the boards. Sure, the Knicks have compensated without Robinson, but they don’t own the rebound stats or alter shots as easy. Brunson is coming off another monster performance, this time on Christmas against the Bucks, while the Thunder are rolling — they have won four of their last five.
Shai Gilgieous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren lead a hungry team looking to continue this early assault on the rest of the league. They aren’t taking the Knicks lightly and will pressure New York, ultimately winning the turnover battle. OddsShopper found the moneyline at a price under -150 — -148 to be exact — on BetRivers. That’s saving anywhere from 2 to 12 cents on the play.
Best NBA Side Bet: Oklahoma City Thunder -148 at BetRivers
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Best NBA Total Bet: Suns-Rockets O/U 239.5
The Phoenix Suns are struggling right now. They have lost their last three games as they head into Houston. The Houston Rockets suffered a brutal loss against the Pacers on Tuesday, but they have played exceptionally well at home this year. One thing to note is the absence of Dillon Brooks — their best defender. Phoenix isn’t coming in guns blazing, but they still average enough points to warrant considering the over, especially with Brooks out for Houston.
Working off the past few games, it’s easy to see how inconsistent the Suns can be, especially with the basketball. Getting Jusuf Nurkic and Josh Okogie back will help add some balance — returning starters usually do — but this is more about the Suns’ offense needing a get-right spot more than their team getting a win. Thanks to OddsShopper’s tools we see every book at 240 except one: ESPNBet. We get the benefit of a hook on a universal line everywhere else.
Best NBA Total Bet: Over 239.5 -110 at ESPNBet
OddsShopper’s NBA Tools & Tips
Looking for more 2023-24 NBA predictions? OddsShopper’s experts are here to break down this NBA season — make sure to check out the rest of our NBA articles. Still need more picks? Subscribe to OddsShopper Premium for our market-based betting model’s picks and best bets.
